Area to receive disaster relief

by Ken Johnston
Editor

Eight municipalities an two municipally unorganized areas in Northwestern Ontario were declared disaster areas by Municipal Affairs and Housing Minister Chris Hodgson, making them eligible for funding under the Ontario Disaster Relief Assistance Program (ODRAP). The announcement was made by Northern Development and Mines Minister Dan Newman.

“I am proud that our government is responding to the severity of the

situation in the northwest,“ Newman said. “This program will give northerners access to much needed assistance.”

These areas experienced a severe storm with high winds and resulting flooding on July 31, 2001. These municipalities include the townships of Morley, Chapple, Dawson, Emo, Lake of the Woods, La Vallee, the towns of Rainy River and Fort Frances, and the Dance Statute Labour Board and Tupman Lake Road Association.

“The government is committed to helping g residents in these communities overcome the effects of this disaster, “ Hodgson said. “Communities in need can count on the province’s support.”

ODRAP provides financial aid for damages or losses of principal residence and property not covered by insurance, when the damage is caused by natural disasters. Private homeowners, farmers, small businesses and non-profit organizations are eligible for assistance. Municipalities amy also be eligible for assistance where there is damage or destruction to public property.

ODRAP guidelines call for the establishment of a local disaster relief committee that will be responsible for settling all private eligible claims made by those affected.

The fund raising component of ODRAP, which is used to provide financial assistance in covering claims, has been waived. The province will cover eligible individual private losses at up to 90 per cent and 100 per cent of eligible municipal damages.